DAB radio sales down

Fewer DAB Digital Radio devices were sold in December 2008 than in the same month the year before, according to figures released today by the Digital Radio Development Bureau.
The DRDB – digital radio’s trade body – said that 500,000 sets were sold during the month, 50,000 fewer than December 2007. Cumulative sales of sets since the launch of DAB have now reached 8.53m, up 2.08m from the end of 2007 – far fewer than the 2.6m sales forecast by DRDB.
“Manufacturers tell us sales of DAB radios this Christmas were held back by a lack of stock in some outlets,” said DRDB chief executive Tony Moretta. “Where stock was available, DAB radios sold well and some manufacturers have told us they were working ‘flat out’ until Christmas Eve to supply product.

“Consumer confidence in DAB remains high and it is important that retailers and manufacturers do not lose sight. At a time when other consumer electronics products are suffering declining volumes and value, DAB radio is holding its market position and growing its share versus analogue devices.”
The platform was plagued by a series of high-profile criticisms, national station closures and even the abandonment of plans for a second national multiplex. However, figures indicate that digital’s share of listening continues to increase, and national multiplex operator Digital One has recently announced a rate cut designed to attract new services.